However, the decision was deferred, meaning it will not go to full council until April 11 and councillors can continue to claim twice for parking.

James Walsh, Liberal Democrat, said: “We cannot seem to be double-paid, it is outrageous.

“There is three weeks between today and the next full council meeting. This may be pence and pounds we are talking about, but to the public it is an expenses allowance similar to the expenses allowance at Westminster.

“It is seen by the public as councillors feathering their pockets.

“It is the taxpayer who is paying for this, we should not be profiting at their expense.

“Anyone who is claiming at that rate is profiting and it is the taxpayer who is paying for it.

“Please can we make a recommendation this afternoon to the council.”

He said if the council made a recommendation today, it would give political groups three weeks until the next full council meeting to discuss their opinions.

But Richard Burrett, Conservative, put forward a proposal to defer the decision.

Mr Burrett said: “I do know members who are not on this committee have expressed a variety of different views. I think once again we do need to seek the views of the wider membership to enable the groups to talk amongst themselves.”

Dr Walsh said: “Telling me that members can’t make up their minds in three weeks, I do not believe it.

“We are being told we need more than 21 days to discuss tuppence on a mileage rate. It’s ludicrous.”